About the opportunity
This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, located in Cartagena, Colombia, under the Container Security Initiative Division. The incumbent directs programs that strengthen the Department’s ability to perform homeland security by detecting and preventing terrorists and instruments of terror from entering or exiting the United States. Typical duties include reviewing and analyzing carrier records and manifests, planning coordination actions, providing assignments to team members, conducting physical inspections using technical devices, and preparing clear reports for management. Employees serve an initial two-year tour with potential for extension and are subject to U.S. federal laws, ethical standards, and diplomatic agreements while posted overseas.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary ranging from $93,444 to $121,478 (GS-13, Step 1 to Step 10)
- Tax-free Living Quarters Allowance or Temporary Lodging Allowance
- Foreign Transfer Allowance including miscellaneous and subsistence expense allowances
- Transportation and storage of household goods and personal effects up to 18,000 pounds
- Education allowance for dependents as determined by the Department of State
- Home leave of five, ten, or fifteen days per year on each two-year assignment
- Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance, plus retirement plans and Thrift Savings Plan
- Secondary Customs and Border Protection Officer Special Retirement Coverage eligibility
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) performing duties such as a Journeyman level CBP Officer, complex analytical responsibilities, or enforcement of laws governing containerized cargo importation
- Must be proficient and able to communicate in Spanish
- Must have taken the required CBP Officer Promotional Assessment component and have a passing total score
- Must meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms
- Must possess a valid, non-restricted driver's license to operate a Government Owned Vehicle
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service
- Applicants and their dependents must pass a State Department medical examination and obtain valid passports
Required documents
- A resume in English limited to no more than two pages, detailing work history, duties, dates, hours worked per week, title, series, grade, and salary
- Completed online job assessment questionnaire
- Most recent copy of SF-50 showing competitive status (for current or former federal employees)
- SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis or supporting time-in-grade requirements
- Separation notice or supporting documentation if claiming CTAP priority selection rights
When to apply
- Applications open on September 14, 2026
- Application deadline is September 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, or on the day 125 applicants are received, whichever comes first
How to apply
- Create or log in to an existing account on USAJOBS
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire
- Upload your resume under the Resume document type
- Upload all required supporting documents such as SF-50 forms under their appropriate document types
- Submit your complete application packet before the closing date
Additional information
- The position requires a thorough background investigation, drug testing, and a polygraph examination.
- Incumbents must maintain a Secret security clearance and carry a firearm.
- Employees are subject to shift work, rotational assignments, and substantial amounts of overtime.
- The initial tour of duty is two years in Cartagena, Colombia, after which employees are returned to a domestic position in accordance with return rights.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong fit for current or former federal law enforcement professionals or CBP Officers at the GS-12 level seeking an international assignment.
- Ideal for individuals with strong analytical, cargo inspection, and team leadership experience within border security or customs environments.
- Well suited for candidates who are fluent in Spanish and eager to represent U.S. homeland security interests abroad.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires relocation to Cartagena, Colombia, for an initial two-year tour with strict conduct guidelines and mandatory return procedures.
- Involves rigorous pre-employment screening, including a mandatory polygraph examination, medical checks, and background investigations.
- Demands flexibility regarding shift work, rotational duties, and the requirement to carry a firearm and maintain weapons qualifications.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role provides a valuable opportunity to transition into an international leadership assignment within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, expanding specialized expertise in container security and global supply chain enforcement while earning federal benefits and overseas allowances.
Our take
Experienced federal law enforcement professionals and qualified CBP personnel with Spanish proficiency and a background in cargo security should seriously consider applying before the applicant cap or deadline is reached.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
